 Engineering An Indoor Waterfall
Indoor waterfalls have many interesting characteristics that take into consideration specific properties of water, gravity and unique engineering techniques to achieve their overall effect. The kinetic action of water, the direction water flows and water distribution mechanisms all work together to produce the waterfall effect you see.
Using the correct type of water in your fountain is also important.
Kinetic Action Of Water
In order to manufacture a waterfall one must have a solid understanding of the water element used. Water has a particular kinetic quality to it that enables the liquid to adhere to solid surfaces without spraying off. We take advantage of this quality when flowing down a solid surface that makes up the face of an indoor waterfall. This is why the water does not pour off the vertical sides to a piece of stone when we turn it on. Most of us take it for granted that water will stay put in this manner, but when we think about it it becomes interesting why it does not do so.
There is also a flip side to this trait, as there is for everything. Since water will adhere to a solid surface when disbursed in proper proportion, it can also form troughs or rivers and not always sheet evenly and uniformly. When we first turn a water fall on the water may proceed down the stone surface and not wet the entire stone face, but rather form channels that proceed downwards. In such cases we will find it most helpful to wet the entire stone surface with a spray bottle. Usually it's best to wet the stone before turning the waterfall on because the water rivers can potentially shoot of the side in some cases since there is more volume and force in the water stream then was intended. If the stone is already wet we then turn the water feature on and the water should flow smoothly down the surface in just the right volume evenly. There is a good video about adjusting fountain water flow you may want to watch.
This lack of smooth sheeting can also occur on mirror waterfalls as well. On mirror surfaces the cause is somewhat different then on stone. Oils and other things can adhere to mirror and glass surfaces that somehow prevent water from flowing completely and smoothly over the surface as most people prefer. In these cases we can use a mirror cleaner and prep solution called Jazz window prep. Just wipe on and wipe off and we should then have a smooth water flow down a glass or mirrored panel.
Directional Water Flow
Gravity is one of the strongest forces of nature which we should all be familiar with by now. We can assume that water will always flow to the lowest point on our waterfall if not directed otherwise. This, in conjunction with the kinetic effect discussed above, makes it pretty easy to prepare the stone and reservoir knowing in our minds eye where the water will flow and from what direction it will come.
Water Distribution
The water distribution unit is typically found at the upper portion of the waterfall. What the distribution unit does is channel the water in a controlled fashion in just the right volume for the size of the water feature. The importance of this is evident in the fact that too much water just pouring down will cause the water to shoot off the sides of the stone or splash at the bottom. Fountain pumps do come in different sizes that will somewhat control water volume, but not precisely, therefore a distribution unit further tailors water flow in a precise manner.
When engineering a fountain one must keep in mind the natural kinetic properties of water, the forces of gravity and water distribution and how these factors work together and influence one another. After this, manufacturing an indoor waterfall can begin and testing it follows. If successful, we will have a beautiful work of art and engineering that will be a great addition to any home or business.
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